Baking soda
As Ralph Rothstein, MD, a pediatrician and faculty member at the University of British Columbia explains, “We don’t know exactly why canker sores develop, so many of the effective treatments we suggest are anecdotal or based on old home remedies.” Even so, some have proved more effective than others. One of the most popular solutions for how to get rid of canker sores is baking soda. The powder is an alkaline and will neutralize acids that irritate the canker sore; it also helps kill bacteria to help provide canker sore relief. Try this home remedy from the Mayo Clinic: Rinse your mouth with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup of warm water. If you’re battling a bug bite, check out these home remedies.
Aloe
Known as the “first-aid plant,” aloe vera gel can speed healing and offer soothing canker sore relief, according to the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Dry the canker sore area with a cotton swab, then slice an aloe leaf. With a clean spoon, dab a bit of the gel directly on the sore. Repeat as often as necessary. And here’s how you can use aloe as a cold sore remedy.
Milk of magnesia
Sip a small amount and use it as a mouth rinse, making sure to rinse the canker sore itself. According to the Mayo Clinic, this canker sore remedy takes advantage of milk of magnesia’s antacid properties, neutralizing the acids in the mouth that cause your canker sore to sting. You can also dab milk of magnesia directly on the canker sore with a cotton swab 3 to 4 times a day; one variation of this cure mixes a teaspoon of milk of magnesia with a teaspoon of Benadryl liquid allergy medicine. But watch out for these warning signs your canker sore is something more serious.